Questions tagged [brakes]

Brake systems on vehicles are typically driven by either pneumatic or hydraulic systems that multiply the force applied by an operator to slow a vehicles rate of speed through the use of friction.

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21 votes
6 answers
356k views

I drove with my Parking Brake on for 30 mins: should I be worried?

Yesterday, I was driving my car for about 30 minutes on the highway at speeds of up to 60 mph. I felt my brakes weren't really working and looked down to notice my emergency brake had been on the ...
Siena's user avatar
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18 votes
11 answers
31k views

What's the best gear to leave a manual vehicle in when parked? [closed]

I've been told that reverse is the "strongest" gear, so in a manual transmission vehicle you should park your vehicle and leave it in reverse in the event of a parking brake failure. Others have said ...
William's user avatar
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76 votes
16 answers
529k views

Should I resurface or replace my rotors everytime I replace brake pads?

I have heard it is proper practice to replace or resurface your brake rotors every time your do a brake pad replacement. Does this need to be done every single time or is it overkill? Maybe it is ...
Troggy's user avatar
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14 votes
3 answers
138k views

Is it normal for stop distance to be long on brand new brake pads?

I just had the brake pads replaced in my car. As I left the shop I noticed coming to a complete stop took longer distance or needed a fair bit more force on the pedal. Is this normal? Will the ...
dark fader's user avatar
19 votes
11 answers
261k views

What causes brakes to pulsate right after rotor and pad replacement?

I have a 2002 Infiniti Q45. I replaced the front rotors and pads on Sunday. It was the first time I've done this on a car, though I have done it countless times on various motorcycles. I was careful ...
Paul's user avatar
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7 votes
5 answers
170k views

What brake components need to be lubricated?

When doing a DIY brake job, I understand that it's necessary lubricate several components of the pad/caliper assembly. From various sources, I have been told that the following are the places where ...
CmdrMoozy's user avatar
  • 315
20 votes
11 answers
185k views

Use of Neutral Gear in Automatic Transmission

I am new to driving A/T cars and I am trying to understand the use of Neutral(N) gear. Should I shift my gear from D to N when my car comes to a complete halt on a red light or somewhere else? As per ...
Piyush Kansal's user avatar
9 votes
3 answers
5k views

Squeaky Brakes: How much of a concern are they?

I recently bought a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a dealership. When we bought it, I noticed that the brakes were not working very well, and the dealer fixed them before we finalized, putting in a ...
PearsonArtPhoto's user avatar
8 votes
6 answers
39k views

Do my brakes really need to be replaced due to rust?

It was suggested to replace my brakes as soon as possible due to them being honest heavily rusted. You can see a picture below. I'm not sure whether what I was told is right because, as I see, rust is ...
ijuak's user avatar
  • 81
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Car shaking when braking

I got a used car. I notice that on speeds higher than 80Km and when I brake, the car shakes. The shaking is very soft, it is not tough and it is not every time. I noticed it twice on a 2 hours journey ...
M.M's user avatar
  • 271
16 votes
5 answers
67k views

brake rotors- blank, slotted or drilled?

There is a lot of conflicting information whether slotted or drilled rotors perform better than blank rotors. For a street car that will do the occasional track day, which type of rotor should I get?
SimpleSimon's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
64k views

After brake bleed, pedal goes to floor

2005 Toyota sequoia. Brake pedal was fine most of the time but occasionally it would sink to the floor while stopping and it would be hard to stop. I bled my brakes and now the pedal goes to the floor ...
Lucas's user avatar
  • 103
9 votes
2 answers
3k views

Do parts (like Brakes) & brake dust still contain Asbestos? What years did parts contain Asbestos (or anything equally / more dangerous)?

Is Asbestos still used in any currently manufactured parts, brakes or others? Specifically asking about the USA & Canada, but info on anywhere else in the world is good too. If it's not still ...
Xen2050's user avatar
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8 votes
2 answers
5k views

How do brake lines connect to their respective fittings?

I'm planning on replacing a leaky section of brake line for the rear driver side wheel on my 2004 Hyundai Getz 1.3 Gsi. The section of brake hose is relatively short, with one end connected to the ...
Amr Bekhit's user avatar
7 votes
4 answers
25k views

Clunk noise from my brakes on first application

I have had the brake pads replaced on my Forester STi (4 pot Brembos all round) and have noticed a strange noise on first application of the brakes after moving either forwards or backwards. By this ...
Rory Alsop's user avatar
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7 votes
5 answers
153k views

Spongy brakes after brake pad swap - moisture or bubbles?

I changed the rear brake pads on my BMW last week, following the steps outlined in this video. Unfortunately the brake pedal now feels spongy. The pedal feel was firm prior to the brake swap, so it ...
Zaid's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
8k views

2004 chevy silverado 1500 brake pedal is loose after turning the engine on

I replaced the pads rotors and calipers on the rear of my truck along with a new master cylinder and cannot get what seems to be the air out of the lines. The brakes will appear to work until I start ...
paul's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
4 answers
1k views

Tiny amount of fluid/sludge on brake piston. Do I need a new caliper?

I did a brake service, and noticed there is a very amount of brake fluid like sludge on the piston surface and brake pad. There is any overtly leaking fluid, just a semi wet sludge (made up of fluid ...
Scorb's user avatar
  • 378
2 votes
1 answer
4k views

2008 Ford Escape hybrid brake and computer problem

My 2008 Ford Escape hybrid broke down in the middle of nowhere. Stopped to get gas and when I turned the vehicle on, the ABS light came on in the dash and and it felt like the engine wouldn't get any ...
GeoJohn's user avatar
  • 175
2 votes
1 answer
161 views

How to pin brake piston: required to install new brake pads

95 Integra LS: rotor was replaced and the brakepads are positioned for service. The rear-brake caliper gap must be opened wide enough to receive the new rotor, that is sandwiched between the two new ...
gatorback's user avatar
  • 1,267
2 votes
1 answer
10k views

How to test and repair brake imbalance?

My 2000 Honda Civic Aerodeck just failed its MOT (roadworthyness test) on Front Brake Imbalance (51%). I changed the pads a few months ago, and had trouble with both calipers on the driver's side of ...
Nick C's user avatar
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2 votes
0 answers
3k views

Why do I hear sound from the ABS on RAV4 hybrid when pressing the brake pedal at standstill?

I have a two and half months old Toyota RAV4 hybrid. I have noticed that occasionally when pressing the brake pedal when being stopped, I can hear sound that seems to come from the ABS. It is ...
juhist's user avatar
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1 vote
1 answer
177 views

Active brake lights interfere with radio station on ‘16 Mazda CX-5?

This is how I reproduce the issue: With the '16 Mazda CX-5 turned On, the shifter in Park, and the radio On, I begin to press the brake slowly. While the brake is slightly pressed but the brake ...
rbhat's user avatar
  • 383
1 vote
3 answers
416 views

How long should disc brakes take to slow the car when wet?

I recently bought a new car and it came it with disc brakes (specifically the Brembo's that come with the new BRZ). If the conditions are rainy or snowy out, I've noticed there's a significant amount ...
Paul Warnick's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
4k views

How to remove broken bolt stubs from brake caliper bracket?

Here's the bracket from the passenger (right) side front brakes on my Subaru Impreza. Both (17mm) bolt heads snapped off when I tried to remove them using a socket using manual pressure only, no ...
StayOnTarget's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
5k views

The brakes on my vehicle continue to pulsate, even with new rotors and pads

I've replaced the rotors and the brake pads so far, but the brakes continue to pulsate whenever they are applied. The slides on the caliper are not stuck or frozen, but I think they may be the problem....
user10757's user avatar
42 votes
7 answers
641k views

what is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids?

What is the difference between DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids? What could possibly go wrong if I use a (4 times cheaper) DOT3 brake fluid instead of the DOT4 which manufacturer recommends (but allows ...
ria's user avatar
  • 1,344
20 votes
6 answers
8k views

What is regenerative braking and why don't we use it?

I know that many electric cars use regenerative braking to enable the car to become more efficient by converting what would otherwise be lost heat energy in to a more useful, reusable form of energy. ...
Max Goodridge's user avatar
18 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is the proper way to bleed brakes and replace the fluid?

What is the proper way to replace the brake fluid in a car? What tools are required? I want to make sure I do not get any air or bubbles in the system as this is something that needs to be done right ...
Troggy's user avatar
  • 2,096
16 votes
5 answers
85k views

Change calipers on both sides?

Four months ago, I had a seized brake in the front left. The slide bearing was stuck and the outer pad was worn more than the inner (at the piston). I wasn't able to move the journals of the bearing ...
sweber's user avatar
  • 7,057
16 votes
6 answers
8k views

My Car Squeals When Braking Even Though I've Had My Front Rotors Machined and Back Rotors Replaced and all new brake pads. What could it be?

I own a Toyota Soarer SC300 (1994), 2JZ motor non-turbo 3 litre engine. The engine is probably irrelevant, but provided for posterity. Anyway, the front rotors were machined and are within the legal ...
Dwayne Charrington's user avatar
16 votes
4 answers
13k views

Is downshifting on hills harmful for non-trucks? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: Does Downshifting (Engine Braking) Cause Extra Wear and Tear? Since the days of taking drivers ed (many years back). I was told that when you encounter a steep or extended ...
theonlylos's user avatar
15 votes
2 answers
54k views

Does the brake bleeding sequence really matter?

We've all heard this tip - "start with the wheel furthest from the brake master cylinder and finish with the closest one". Why? Does the sequence really matter? What exactly happens if we don't keep ...
I have no idea what I'm doing's user avatar
12 votes
3 answers
156k views

Is it necessary to flush brake fluid?

I have a 2005 Honda Element. The owners manual states the brake fluid should be "replaced" every 3 years. When I asked the dealer to replace the brake fluid, they said it was going to cost $190. ...
kwahn's user avatar
  • 221
11 votes
2 answers
99k views

Brakes make grinding noise during stops at low speeds

I've got a Mazda B2300 pickup that's started making a grinding sound whenever I come to a stop. Braking at a high speed doesn't make any noise, but once I get under 25-30 MPH, the grinding sound gets ...
Doresoom's user avatar
  • 508
9 votes
2 answers
52k views

What are the visual signs that brake rotors must be replaced?

Let's say you take off the wheel (when replacing the pads, for example) and look at the brake rotor. What are the signs that it's time to replace the disc? Let's stick to clear visual signs that don'...
I have no idea what I'm doing's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
21k views

What does the dust shield behind the brakes do?

Behind the brake rotors is a dust shield. I'm interested in removing the dust shields on my car because I'm looking to install larger calipers than what my car originally came with. What is the ...
Ellesedil's user avatar
  • 1,197
8 votes
1 answer
3k views

Brakes grinding when roads are snowy

I have a 2013 Chevy Cruise that has new brakes changed by the dealership, and they work perfectly in the rain, and dry conditions. But when there's snow on the ground, the brakes often start grinding, ...
Mena Labib's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
6k views

Are DIY store bolts okay for critical components?

I managed to turn a routine brake job into a bit of a minor nightmare by having one of the calliper bracket bolts break off. One bit is stuck inside the calliper bracket. I don't know exactly why it ...
Ben's user avatar
  • 1,135
8 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do disk brake pistons retract?

If drum brakes consist of a several springs inside and outside the fluid cylinder to retract the brake shoes after braking, how disk brakes piston, that dont have any springs, can retract alone ...
user3407319's user avatar
8 votes
6 answers
23k views

Can a motorcycle's brake lever be bent back into shape?

I recently had a low speed spill on my bike leaving the brake lever rather bent. Can I bend it back (roughly) straight or it is likely to just break? Given that it is cast aluminium, I suspect is will ...
dave's user avatar
  • 634
7 votes
2 answers
101k views

Clunking sound at back of car when applying brakes

Since having my tires changed, I've been hearing a clunking sound from what sounds like the back driver side of my car. This noise only comes when the brakes are applies softly, just enough to slow ...
canadiancreed's user avatar
7 votes
7 answers
104k views

Replaced brake pads - one pad was full, the other was gone. Brakes now very hot after driving

The content is pretty much contained in the title. When I went to replace the brake pads, one pad was completely gone and the other was almost like new. Now that I have replaced the pads, the wheel ...
ItsJason's user avatar
  • 277
7 votes
1 answer
8k views

How do the rear brakes on a 1995 Chevy 1500 self-adjust?

I was told that by setting the parking brake each time the truck is parked, the shoe-brakes would self adjust. Is this true? There are no access holes on the back plate for manual adjustment.
idahosmith's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
28k views

Should I apply anti-seize to the back of brake rotors?

In regards to changing brake rotors: As I see in many youtube videos, it could be a bit of a challenge to remove old brake rotors. They can stuck. Is it a good idea to add some anti-seize compound ...
Allan Xu's user avatar
  • 950
7 votes
1 answer
1k views

Brake fluid leak after recent brake line replacement

I have a 2001 Mazda 626 which had its brake service light come on some time back, and the brakes became spongy and ceased functioning properly. I took it to my mechanic and he replaced the brake ...
BCG's user avatar
  • 173
6 votes
1 answer
596 views

Skill level and safety critical risk level for ABS module replacement

2004 Ford Taurus SES DOCH 24V 160,000 miles ABS indicator light, parking brake light and trip computer error "Check Brake System" all illuminated. (Two days after having O2 sensors and spark ...
P.S.'s user avatar
  • 471
6 votes
6 answers
30k views

Why are drum brakes still fitted on Ford's cars?

Currently I own a Mk5 Astra SRi, however I am looking to sell this and buy a Ford Focus Mk2. The other day I looked at a Ford Focus Zetec Mk2. My understanding is that Zetec is sort of the ford ...
Matthew Layton's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
153 views

Bleeding Brakes

Also with regard to my 2002 Bonneville brake bleeding question, I could not get the rear bleeder bolts loose and did not want to twist them off, thus I bled the rear brakes at the brake hose going ...
notapromike's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
45k views

How much disc brake drag is acceptable?

As far as I know brake pads are supposed to maintain slight contact with the rotor at all times. As usually the only thing pushing the piston back after braking is flex of the square cut seal around ...
I have no idea what I'm doing's user avatar